Yellowstone Fines Visitor $1,000 For Walking Off Boardwalk

A Chinese national was fined $1,000 and a $30 federal court processing fee for walking off the boardwalk in the Mammoth Hot Springs thermal area in Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday, according to a press release Wednesday.

The individual walked on the terrace formations near Liberty Cap and collected thermal water, according to a statement, photos, and location of the violation reported by a visitor to a ranger.

The visitor also saw the individual break through the fragile travertine crust.

Law enforcement identified the individual who stated he did not read the safety information given to him at the park entrance. He also admitted to collecting hot springs water.

A federal violation notice requiring a mandatory appearance in the Yellowstone Justice Center Court in Mammoth was issued for off boardwalk travel in a thermal area.

Park rangers thanked the witness and asked all visitors to protect their park and protect themselves.

Regulations to stay on designated trails and boardwalks in thermal areas are for visitor safety and the safety of the exceptional park natural resources. Without visitor cooperation, park natural wonders will continue to be damaged and more individuals may be injured or killed.

Last week, an Oregon man fell into a thermal pool in the Norris Geyser Basin and died.

It is a violation of federal regulations to collect any park resources.

For information on safety around thermal features, visit the park's website.

=============================================

See here the latest on the High on Life case involving four men from Vancouver, B.C., who walked off the boardwalk at Grand Prismatic Spring in May.